This Easy Chinese Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry is a quick and yummy dish that packs a punch of flavor! It’s loaded with tender beef and crunchy cabbage, making it a great meal for busy nights.
You can whip this up in no time! I often make extra so I can enjoy it for lunch the next day. Plus, if you’re like me, you’ll love having dinner ready in just one pan! 🥢
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef: Using flank steak or sirloin is perfect because they are both tender and flavorful. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can substitute with chicken or tofu for a similar texture.
Napa Cabbage: Napa cabbage is great for stir-frying because it cooks quickly and stays crunchy. If you can’t find it, feel free to use regular green cabbage or bok choy as alternatives.
Soy Sauce: I recommend low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness of your dish. If you need a gluten-free option, tamari works wonderfully well as a substitute!
Oyster Sauce: This adds a rich depth to the stir-fry, but if you’re vegetarian or vegan, you can use mushroom sauce as a substitute for a similar flavor.
How Do I Ensure My Beef Stays Tender?
The secret to tender beef is marinating it properly. Here’s a quick guide:
- Slice the beef thinly against the grain, which helps break down the muscle fibers.
- Add cornstarch in the marinade, which helps seal in moisture during cooking.
- Don’t overcook the beef. Just a few minutes over high heat is enough to get it browned and keep it tender!
Following these tips will help your beef turn out perfectly every time! Enjoy your stir-fry! 🍜
Easy Chinese Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Stir-Fry:
- 12 oz (340g) beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 4 cups napa cabbage, chopped (about half a medium cabbage)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (or any neutral oil)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece ginger, minced
- 3 green onions, sliced (white and green parts separated)
For the Sauce:
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 1/4 cup beef or chicken broth (or water)
- 1/2 tsp sugar
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Optional: 1 tsp chili paste or chili flakes for heat
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 10-15 minutes of prep time and around 10 minutes to cook, making it a quick meal that can be ready in just 25-30 minutes! Perfect for busy weeknights!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Beef:
In a small bowl, combine the sliced beef with cornstarch, 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, and a pinch of black pepper. Mix everything well and set aside to marinate for about 10-15 minutes. This will help tenderize the beef and give it flavor!
2. Cook the Beef:
In a wok or large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the marinated beef to the pan and stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes until it is just browned but not fully cooked. Remove the beef from the pan and set aside for now.
3. Stir-Fry Aromatics:
In the same pan, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil. Toss in the minced garlic, ginger, and the white parts of the green onions. Stir-fry everything together for about 30 seconds until fragrant—this will bring out all their lovely flavors!
4. Add Cabbage:
Now, add the chopped napa cabbage to the pan. Stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes until the cabbage starts to soften but still has a bit of crunch. We want it to retain some of that fresh texture!
5. Combine Ingredients:
Return the beef to the pan. Add the remaining tablespoon of soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, beef broth, and optional chili paste. Stir everything together and cook for another 2 minutes until the cabbage is tender and the beef is cooked through.
6. Finishing Touches:
Drizzle sesame oil over the stir-fry and give it a good toss to combine everything. Taste the stir-fry and adjust the seasoning with salt or a little more soy sauce if needed.
7. Garnish and Serve:
Sprinkle the green parts of the sliced green onions on top as a garnish. Serve your delicious stir-fry hot with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal!
Enjoy your flavorful and easy Chinese Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry!
FAQ about Easy Chinese Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry
Can I Use Different Cuts of Beef?
Absolutely! While flank steak and sirloin are great choices, you can also use ribeye or even ground beef if that’s what you have on hand. Just remember that cooking times may vary depending on the cut you choose!
Can I Make This Stir-Fry Vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this dish vegetarian by substituting the beef with tofu or tempeh. Just press and cube the tofu, then marinate it in the same way as the beef for added flavor!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, just warm it up in a pan or microwave until heated through. This stir-fry can also be enjoyed cold as a salad topping!
What Other Veggies Can I Add?
Feel free to get creative! Bell peppers, carrots, broccoli, or snap peas all make great additions. Just ensure to cut them into similar sizes for even cooking!
